ROSENTHAL IMPORTS WINE TASTING
featuring MICHAEL KANE of Rosenthal
SAT. DEC. 6, 2-5pm, BELMONT store

Please join us for a taste of the distinctive, terroir-driven wines of Rosenthal Wine Merchant. For thirty years, Neal Rosenthal has carefully selected artisanal wines that profoundly express their origins and traditions — “the best of wines will always proudly tell you from where they come.”
The informative and inspiring MICHAEL KANE of Rosenthal will be at VINTAGES’ Belmont shop 2-5pm to present the wines. Michael is a veritable fountain of precise and passionate knowledge about what’s in your glass! No “tasting notes” necessary!

Announcing…
2004 GIUSEPPE RINALDI BAROLO
An uncompromising approach to greatness

GIUSEPPE RINALDI is an icon in Piedmont — a man who has never wavered from the traditional methods of making Barolo. For Rinaldi, there is no struggle, no doubt or question about the way to achieve great Barolo. Rinaldi vinifies nebbiolo according to the most traditional methods before aging slowly in the large wood “botte” casks. “Barolo is about tertiary aromas,” he explains. The interesting aromas can develop only after three or four years in barrel.” Rinaldi has little use for modern techniques when tradition and experience have produced outstanding wines of incredible longevity, some tasting young & fresh after 40+ years.

Barolos of this caliber are born out of the land, the nebbiolo grapes, vintage conditions, and time. Modern techniques have no place in this process.

Unwavering, unyielding, uncompromising.
Power, elegance, austerity; complexity, aromatics, longevity. Rinaldi’s Barolo is a wine of singular distinction. VINTAGES is proud to offer these 2004 Barolos from Giuseppe Rinaldi.

2004 RINALDI BAROLO “Cannubi Ravera (San Lorenzo)” $128/bottle ($108.80 case price). “Excellent deep red-ruby color. The nose began a bit reduced, then opened spectacularly to show red berries, black licorice, chestnut, brown spices, truffle, mocha and minerals … Less obviously fleshy than the Brunate but already quite expressive despite its rather primary cherry fruit, with snappy acidity accentuating the wine’s inner-mouth floral character. The tannins here are chewy, ripe and wonderfully suave for so-called old-style Barolo. I find this utterly compelling. Cannubi becomes more floral with aging and gains in length, says Rinaldi, while the Brunate takes on a stronger tar-and-chocolate character.” — Tanzer, Int’l Wine Cellar

2004 RINALDI BAROLO “Brunate Le Coste” $128/bottle ($108.80 case price) 94 pts.
“Good deep red. Knockout nose offers roasted plum, mocha, brown spices, chocolate and underbrush. Offers superb concentration for the vintage, with excellent vinosity to its flavors of sappy, candied black raspberry and spices. Very rich and broad wine, with big tannins arriving late to dust the palate. This will take a decade or two of bottle aging to evolve fully. 94 pts.” –Tanzer, Int’l Wine Cellar

2002 ALBINO ROCCA BARBARESCO due mila due $25! The recent visit and tasting with Barbara Engist-Rocca allowed us to not only indulge our palates in the winery’s outstanding 2001 and 2004 Barbarescos, but to re-taste the 2002 Barbaresco. In 2002, their only bottling contained the combined fruit of both “Brich Ronchi” and “Loreto” vineyards. Leave it to the Wine Dog to sniff out a great deal from a not-so-great vintage — the 2002 Barbaresco offers lightly floral aromas, lush cocoa tannins, characteristic cherry-chocolate flavors. “Rocca’s 2002 Barbaresco is one of the best wines of the vintage. It displays an evolved nose of leather, spices, and tobacco, with plenty of sweet stewed prune flavors in a relatively soft and supple style for the vintage, finishing with substantial tannins.” — Wine Advocate

Airy, aromatic and earthy- the perfect transition wines for early fall.

BELMONT: FRI. SEPT. 26, 4:30-7:30PM
CONCORD: SAT. SEPT. 27, 2-5 PM

2004 BURLOTTO BAROLO Vigneto Cannubi $75
Cannubi is an historically important vineyard that yields a Barolo with richer fruit and powerful structure. Burlotto’s Fabio vinifies with an eye to drawing out the vineyard’s aromatics and a delicious balsamic pungency that informs very expressive, supple tannins on the elegant finish.

2006 BURLOTTO BARBERA “Aves” $30
Deep, powerful Barbera with vibrant plum and cherry flavors, pure concentration of lush fruit and enticing aromas. Balanced acidity and spicy tannins on the long finish.

2006 BURLOTTO Langhe Freisa $22
A different style of traditional Freisa from this region, with darker plum fruit, cocoa powder and earthy flavors; still wine, not sparkling; served at at cellar temperature.

2006 BURLOTTO Pelaverga $22
A very rare ancient variety of red grape grown only in the immediate area of Verduno. Deep ruby color, juicy, raspberry fruit, pronounced rose petal aromatics, and a hint of pepper on the finish. Unusually delicious!

2005 BURLOTTO BAROLO Rosato “Elatis” $19.99
A delightful, yet surprisingly structured rosé made from nebbiolo. A pleasing minerality transports the refreshing nose and plum fruit.

Headlines:
*WINE TASTING: PONCHIONE ROERO
Belmont: Fri. Sept. 19, 4-7:30pm
Concord: Sat. Sept. 20, 2-5pm

*Introducing…Maurizio PONCHIONE from Roero, Italy!
VINTAGES Exclusive!

We’re very excited to introduce the wines from a new, young Piedmontese producer as part of our “VINTAGES EXCLUSIVES” selections: PONCHIONE from Roero. Maurizio Ponchione has worked very hard over the last few years to hone his winemaking skills and to truly express his land and the indigenous grapes from his appellation, the Roero in the Langhe. For the last several years, we’ve tasted Maurizio’s wines during visits to Italy and have witnessed great improvement in his confidence and expertise in handling the white grape Arneis and the noble Nebbiolo. We are proud to offer two of his top selections 2007 Roero Arneis “Monfrini” DOCG $17.99 and the newly-minted 2005 Roero “Monfrini” DOCG $28, 100% nebbiolo aged in oak for one year, and in bottle for at least an additional year.

Eric has had the honor of attending the invitation-only Alba Wine Exhibition in Piedmont, Italy for the past two years (the only wine merchant in New England to be invited). In the five-day tasting, a full day has been devoted to the region of the Roero, which includes wines made from Arneis, Barbera, and Nebbiolo. Ponchione’s Arneis has been one of the best we’ve tasted with a particular emphasis on minerality and balanced acidity in addition to the exceptionally complex and fine aromatic qualities of Arneis. We are confident that you’ll appreciate and enjoy this beautifully elegant, crisp but flavorful white wine.

2005 is the premier vintage of one of Piedmont’s newest DOCGs: Roero, made from nebbiolo grapes. The Roero has long been a great source for fragrant, fruity and approachable nebbiolo made by some of Barolo and Barbaresco’s most famous names: Luciano Sandrone,Bruno Giacosa, Renato Ratti, to name a few. Roero nebbiolo offers many of the same ethereal aromas and complex flavors of Barolo and Barbaresco, but with the bonus of more immediate drinkability.

We are very proud to present these authentic, hand-crafted wines made with conviction and sincerity by a dedicated and passionate artisan, Maurizio Ponchione. BRAVO!

2007 PONCHIONE Roero Arneis “Monfrini” DOCG $17.99
Crisp, fresh green melon fruit wrapped in lively acidity and elegant minerality. Beautiful!

2005 PONCHIONE Roero “Monfrini” DOCG (100% nebbiolo) $28
Beautiful, pure dark cherry fruit with rather lush, chocolatey tannins. Truly a modern-style “baby barolo!” Outstanding!

*Introducing Barolo from BURLOTTO! VINTAGES Exclusive!
G.B. BURLOTTO: The Return of a Piedmont Legend!
Why Burlotto? It’s about a vineyard and a visionary. The vineyard is Monvigliero in Verduno, located between Alba and La Morra, which is known for producing wines of a unique character– intense and pure aromas, powerful structure, and an elegant mouthfeel. Full-flavored, expressive, yet never heavy. The visionary is G.B. Burlotto, one of the pioneering innovators of Barolo. In the late 1800’s, Burlotto was one of the first to sell his Barolo in bottles, as opposed to barrels or casks as was common at the time. His bottled Barolos from Cannubi and Verduno won several medals in international fairs, and he quickly garnered a top reputation in the region.

Once again, under the management of Marina Burlotto, the founder’s great-niece, her husband, Giuseppe Alessandria, and their son, Fabio, the G.B. Burlotto winery is fulfilling the founder’s vision. Burlotto wines express the particular terrain of the Verduno area, which is known for beautifully fragrant wines with a powerful structure and complexity, yet an very elegant mouthfeel. We invite you to explore these beautifully pure and aromatic wines of Verduno from Burlotto!

Barolos and more from BURLOTTO 2004 BURLOTTO BAROLO Vigneto Cannubi $75 Cannubi is an historically important vineyard that yields a Barolo with richer fruit and powerful structure. Burlotto’s Fabio vinifies with an eye to drawing out the vineyard’s aromatics and a delicious balsamic pungency that informs very expressive, supple tannins on the elegant finish. 2004 BURLOTTO BAROLO Vigneto Monvigliero $75 The tradition of crushing the grapes using “foot treading” is still carried on for the nebbiolo from the hillside Monvigliero vineyard. The greatness of Monvigliero is captured by its signature aromatics, which are unique among Barolos. The amazingly intense perfume of provencal black olive tapenade, cedar and truffle is nothing less than hypnotic. Tremendous complexity, finesse, supple tannins, and long, lingering finish. 2006 BURLOTTO BARBERA “Aves” $30 Deep, powerful Barbera with vibrant plum and cherry flavors, pure concentration of lush fruit and enticing aromas. Balanced acidity and spicy tannins on the long finish. 2006 BURLOTTO Langhe Freisa $22 A different style of traditional Freisa from this region, with darker plum fruit, cocoa powder and earthy flavors; still wine, not sparkling; served at at cellar temperature. 2006 BURLOTTO Pelaverga $22 A very rare ancient variety of red grape grown only in the immediate area of Verduno. Deep ruby color, juicy, elegant, superfine tannins, entrancing rose petal aromas. Unusually delicious! 2005 BURLOTTO Elatis Rosato $19.99 A delightful, yet surprisingly structured rosé made from nebbiolo with racy red berry fruit. Plum fruit, a pleasing minerality; absolutely refreshing!

WINE DOG DEAL!
2007 LE SALETTE Chardonnay $15.99

LE SALETTE has long been one of our favorite producers of AMARONE, Recioto and Valpolicella. Franco & Monica Scamperle are passionate about making wines from their town of Fumane in th e Veneto that are elegant and expressive. Their newly released CHARDONNAY is no exception. Inspired by Franco’s love of Burgundy, the Le Salette Chardonnay is all about fruit and finesse, fresh nectarine with a mi neral undertone. Bravo!
Wine Dog Price: $15.99
Reg. Price: $17.99

A new winery in the region, PERTICAIA is winning top honors for its 2004 Sagrantino Montefalco made from 100% sagrantino grapes, a traditional, native variety. Owner Guido Guardigli has much to be proud of, launching an outstanding winery and creating one of the most successful expressions of the sagrantino grape. PERTICAIA also makes delicious, easy-drinking sangiovese blends. Outstanding for fall!

2004 PERTICAIA SAGRANTINO MONTEFALCO $48 –Three Glasses Winner!
100% Sagrantino. Warm, ripe, raspberry fruit, with spicy intensity and dense, mouth-filling texture. “Stunning bouquet packed with blackberry flavors wrapped in balsam and lush spices. Spacious, deep, and dense yet dynamic on the palate, with lush tannins. Still young, of course, but its true soul will be revealed through the years.”–Gambero Rosso 2008

2005 PERTICAIA MONTEFALCO ROSSO $22
60% Sangiovese, 15% Colorino, 15% Sagrantino and 10% Merlot. Fresh with the aromas and flavors of wild raspberries and blueberries. Med-full body, with sweet tannins.

2007 PERTICAIA UMBRIA ROSSO $14.99
80% Sangiovese, 10% Colorino, 10% Merlot
Deep plum color, rich and smooth texture with black cherry notes. Full and expressive, delicious Sangiovese!

BARBARA ENGIST-ROCCA from the ALBINO ROCCA winery in Barbaresco, Italy, will present her estate’s wines at VINTAGES in Belmont on Friday, September 5, from 4-7pm. ALBINO ROCCA, owned by Barbara and Angelo Rocca, is a benchmark producer of Barbaresco. Since the early 1900’s several generations of the Rocca family have farmed their prime nebbiolo vineyards and created the wine that is Angelo’s greatest passion, Barbaresco. At the Sept. 5 tasting, Barbara will discuss winemaking in Piedmont, the unique characteristics of the nebbiolo grape, and conduct a tasting of her estate’s exceptional wines, including Barbaresco, Barbera, Cortese, Chardonnay and Moscato d’Asti. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to meet Barbara Rocca and learn about the world-class wines of Piedmont!
(Barbaresco Tasting in Concord on Sat. Sept. 6, 2-5pm will have a selection of the Albino Rocca wines presented by our own internationally-recognized Barbaresco expert, Eric Broege– Barbara will not be there.)

Wines for the ALBINO-ROCCA tasting:
Wines for the ALBINO-ROCCA tasting:
Bianco
2007 ALBINO ROCCA Chardonnay “Bertu” $22
100% aged in stainless steel. Crisp and delicious citrus flavors with mineral undercurrent.

2006 ALBINO ROCCA Cortese “La Rocca” $32
100% Cortese aged in French barrique for 8 mos. Richer texture with ripe peach flavors, long aromatic finish with good intensity.

2007 ALBINO ROCCA Moscato d’Asti “Fiordaliso” $17.99 (dessert sparkling)

Rosso
2005 ALBINO ROCCA Barbera d’Alba “Gepin” $35
“Sexy, pungent aromas of cherry, currant, plum and spicy oak. Suave, ripe and complex, with a lush texture… Lively acidity extends the finish. 90 pts.“–IWC

2004 ALBINO ROCCA Barbaresco “Brich Ronchi” $65
“The 2004 Barbaresco Bric Ronchi reveals a deep, dark color and a full-bodied, weighty expression of ripe fruit. Long and sweet on the palate, this fat, ripe Barbaresco offers outstanding length and plenty of style. It was aged 70% in French oak (80% new) and 30% cask. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016. 92 pts.” –Wine Advocate

2001 ALBINO ROCCA Barbaresco “Brich Ronchi” $60
“The multi-dimensional 2001 Barbaresco Bric Ronchi, a saturated ruby, is soft and round, offering sensations of toasted oak, vanilla, ripe red fruits, macerated cherries, minerals and menthol with excellent length, and great freshness on the finish. Made from vines averaging 50-60 years and aged in barrique. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. 92 pts.“–Wine Advocate

2001 ALBINO ROCCA Barbaresco “Loreto” $60
“Rocca’s 2001 Barbaresco Sori Loreto displays a dark ruby color and a gorgeous, complex, balsamic nose of spices, tobacco, leather, and menthol. This dense and chewy Barbaresco reveals layers of ripe red fruit and licorice flavors with outstanding substance on the palate in a masculine, authoritative style. Made from old vines and aged in a cask, Sori Loreto is the more austere of the two single-vineyard wines. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. 91 pts.” –Wine Advocate